§ 4. Mr. BOOTHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any black list has yet been published under the Trading With the Enemy (Extension of Powers) Act?
§ Lord R. CECILNo, Sir; but the preparation of the lists is in an advanced stage, and it is hoped that publication will commence shortly.
§ 9. Mr. BOOTHasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken under the recent Act to take over the control of enemy firms in the United Kingdom?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Pretyman)A Committee has been appointed to advise the Board of Trade on matters arising under the Trading With the Enemy Amendment Act, 1916, and they already have before them numerous cases to be dealt with under the Act. Lists of persons, firms, or companies whose businesses may be ordered to be discontinued, wholly or partially, or to be wound-up, will be laid before both Houses from time to time, and notice of such Orders will be gazetted.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that some firms are so notoriously in favour of the German Government as actually to make munitions for them, such as the A.E.G. Company? Surely it requires no Committee to sit upon that?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThere is no unreasonable delay. It is considered desirable and best that all these names should pass through the Committee. It is very difficult to draw the line and say whether a firm should come before the Committee or not.
§ Mr. GEORGE TERRELLHave any Orders yet been made prohibiting any of these enemy firms from carrying on business?
§ Mr. PRETYMANSome Orders have been recommended. It is better not to give names until the Order is gazetted.
§ Mr. TERRELLThen the names in question will be laid on the Table of the House?
§ Mr. PRETYMANYes, I have said so. "Lists of persons, firms, or companies whose businesses may be ordered to be discontinued, wholly or partially, or to be wound-up, will be laid before both Houses from time to time, and notice of such Orders will be gazetted."